Around the time of the late 20th century, it became clear that Japan was a world leader in technology and innovation, leading the way in nuclear energy, robotics and electronics to name but a few. While Japan may not be the current leader in technology it still provides us with massive brands like Sony, Mitsubishi, Honda, Toyota and Nintendo that supply great tech to the world. Check out these 8 top Japenese tech that will make you wish you lived in Japan.
The first bullet or high-speed train was built in Japan back in 1964. Faster, way more efficient and reducing the environmental impact on the planet, not to mention making a huge impact on the countries economy, these bullet trains can travel at speeds between 120mph to 260mph!
The world’s fastest bullet train, the Shinkansen ALFA-X is currently in testing in Japan, said to be capable of 400kmph, it should begin production in 2030. Check out our article on the Shinkansen ALFA-X below.
2. High-Tech Toilets
Yes, we have all heard about Japan’s high tech toilets at some point online, some of us may have even been lucky enough to use one in Japan or in swanky restaurants in Los Angeles or New York. In Japan, many domestic homes are equipped with these first-class toilets.
Offering super flush systems, noises whilst you use the toilet to mask any ‘personal noises’, self-cleaning systems and systems that help keep you clean yourself, these toilets surely are a top reason to visit or live in Japan!
3. Capsule Hotels
Whether you think they are super cool or somewhat inglorious, capsule hotels are becoming more and more popular. The super-compact pods offer very cheap accommodation for those who only require somewhere to sleep. In addition to these cheap pods more extravagant capsule hotels are starting to appear across Japan, providing high tech TVs and access to hot springs or saunas in addition to the capsule to sleep in!
4. Rotating Sushi Bars
This craze was invented by Yoshiaki Shiraishi, he was the first to pioneer a conveyor belt containing his sushi dishes when he had staff problems at his restaurant in Osaka. Of course, these restaurants are now popular worldwide, but Japan still leads the way in innovative sushi restaurant ideas.
5. Wacky Vending Machines
Japan is the home of the vending machine, found in train stations and street corners all over the country they contain huge racks of items to buy in an instant. Items include hot ramen noodles, fresh eggs, fresh fruit, a coke drink that transforms into a slushy before your eyes, a combined condom and energy drink machine, surgical masks to avoid those nasty germs and rice wine shots! Many other strange yet appealing items can also be found in these machines!
6. Garage Parking Elevators
Automated parking systems can be found all over the world these days, yet in Japan, the number is growing steadily. Nearly 1.6 million of the countries parking spaces are now automated, not only saving space in busy cities they also reduce the risk of damage or theft of your prized possession.
7. Mega Shopping Arcades
The world loves shopping malls or arcades right? Japan, of course, takes them to another level some are much more than just shops for clothing or tech. In Akihabara arcades for gamers are popular, each one offering floors filled with the newest and best games available!
8. Table / Blanket Hybrid
Called a kotatsu this amazing tech is a table that also has a futon blanket. Underneath the table is a heat source that traps the heat beneath the blanket keeping you warm. People sit at the kotatsu with their legs under the table and the blanket over their lower body. Imagine sitting at a table snug and warm, you will never want to leave! Fancy one?, they are also available on Amazon!
